At the March biennial convention, the delegation of the Knox County Democratic Party elected LaKenya Middlebrook as the new chairperson of the party in an uncontested bid. Middlebrook will be the first black person to hold the reins of the party.
“We’re bursting with pride the party chose such an extraordinarily qualified woman. LaKenya will lead KCDP efforts building toward the crucial 2020 elections,” said Nancy Mott.
Her cabinet includes Ed Nelson, vice chair; Kelly May, secretary; and Caroline Cranford, treasurer.
The new chair is a practicing family law attorney. Much of her work is in juvenile court as guardian ad litem. Midddlebrook also advises small-business owners in organizational structuring, contract review, policy, and procedural development.
Middlebrook is a Knoxville native of public schools. She attended Sarah Moore Greene Elementary, South-Doyle Middle, and Austin-East High Schools before earning degrees from the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee College of Law.
Outgoing District 1 chairpersons, Rev. Dr. Harold Middlebrook, and Nancy Mott, passed the gavel to Sam Brown and Sabrina Straub.
Rev. L. Samuel Brown grew up in Knoxville He majored in political science at Livingston College, and served the African Methodist Episcopal Zion church denomination in several capacities before returning to Knoxville to pastor Logan Temple AME Zion Church on Selma Ave. in East Knoxville.
Sabrina Straub has been active in the Democratic Party since 2008. She moved to Knoxville in 2016, and has been consistent in her support and participation. Sabrina worked tirelessly in the 2018 midterm elections by making over 525 calls and knocked on over 650 doors.
A joint statement, outgoing Dist 1 Chairpersons Rev. Harold Middlebrook, and Nancy Mott expressed that the both of them could not be happier to turn over the leadership of the first district to these two energetic and well-qualified leaders. They will work to help us build the Democratic Party in District 1- broadening the electorate, recruiting candidates, increasing awareness of issues and focusing our energies.